Dandruff is an incredibly common condition that affects up to 50% of the population at any given time. In each case, dandruff is the symptom of a larger problem in the body. It is characterized by excess shedding of dead skin flakes from the scalp. Most people suffering from dandruff are willing to try almost anything because of the self-esteem and social problems that come with this condition. Luckily, there are many natural remedies to combat dandruff. There are several underlying causes, and treatment recommendations may vary accordingly.
Normal Skin vs Dandruff
Your scalp is surrounded by skin that hosts many tiny hair follicles. Just like the skin on other parts of your body, the skin on our head sheds to make way for new layers. New hair growth pushes out old, dry scalp skin. This shedding contributes to much of household dust. These skin flakes are incredibly small and often go unnoticed. When your head sheds larger skin flakes at a higher rate, this is called dandruff, and it can be caused by various conditions.
What Causes Dandruff?
Because dandruff is technically a symptom and not a condition, it can be difficult to pinpoint its underlying cause. In each case, there are a number of factors that contribute to the progression of dandruff.
Allergic Dermatitis
Many people experience sensitive skin, including on the scamp. Styling products and cleansers often irritate the scalp more than other skin areas. Harsh cleansing shampoos and processing products like hair dyes, permanents, and straightening chemicals can all damage the skin of the scalp and cause it to become irritated. This irritation can trigger an increased cell turnover, leading to faster shedding of the skin known as dandruff. Irritation of the skin also allows for easy infection by microbes that can cause further problems. Unfortunately, many of the conventional treatments for dandruff can be harsh and can cause further allergic reaction, making the situation worse. In these cases, removing harsh hair products and switching to more gentle and natural cleansers can help to reduce the problem. In some cases, dietary sensitivities can also contribute to the symptoms.
Seborrheic Dermatitis - Fungal Scalp Infection
The most common cause of dandruff is actually an infection of the skin of the scalp by Malassezia globosa, a fungus (yeast) much like the Tinea species that cause ringworm. This results in a rash on the skin called seborrheic dermatitis. The yeast actually feeds on the natural oil produced by the skin in hairy areas known as “sebum”. This type of infection can actually occur anywhere on the body where the skin tends to be oily. Infant seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap. Sebum production, genetics, and hormonal balance influence this condition. Once infection occurs, it can trigger an irritation of the scalp, which can cause an increase in the rate of turnover of the skin. This means that the irritated skin begins to grow and shed more quickly, a condition called dermatitis. This irritation also causes an increase in sebum production, resulting in further fungal growth. So begins the downward spiral of dandruff. In addition to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis often has other symptoms such as: large red plaques over the skin, white and flakey or yellow and oily skin scales, itching and even hair loss.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal balance regulates sebum production. Testosterone increases oil production, while estrogen reduces it. This may be the underlying reason that dandruff is more likely to affect men than women.
What Are SomeNatural & Conventional Dandruff Remedies?
There is a wide variety of treatments available for resolving dandruff. Which treatment will be successful is determined by the underlying cause of your condition. Sometimes you will have to try a few different treatment options before you find the one that works best for you. In most cases, treating the body from the inside out is the best way to make a lasting impact on a stubborn condition such as dandruff. By resolving hormonal imbalances and boosting or regulating Immune System responses, you can give your body the best fighting chance at resolving the condition on its own. Sometimes, you will also need to try topical treatments to help nip the current flaking in the bud.
Conventional Treatments
Walking into any drugstore, you will quickly see that there are a vast number of commercial products available for the treatment of dandruff. There are many shampoos, creams, and rinses available to help combat this annoying symptom. Medical doctors will often prescribe antifungal agents or steroid creams to reduce inflammation and replication of the skin cells. Manufacturers add zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide to anti-dandruff shampoos. These ingredients help heal the scalp and act as antibacterial and antifungal agents. Coal tar is also common, as it promotes faster shedding of dead skin cells and slows the new skin growth.
Lifestyle Changes
Keeping dandruff in control starts with some simple steps for proper care of the skin on your scalp. Shampooing each day and after strenuous exercise can help to get rid of excess oils. This reduces the fungal food source. Be sure to use a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo, or simply wash with baking soda and vinegar (especially apple cider vinegar) for a gentle natural cleansing that removes oil and excess skin flakes, while helping to kill any yeast present. Be careful to avoid scratching as much as possible during the day, as this can damage the skin and cause further inflammatory problems. Avoid the use of chemical styling products as these can contribute to the accumulation of sebum and other debris on the scalp. Excessively drying the scalp can trigger an increased production of sebum by the body, which can further aggravate dandruff, so simply moisturizing the scalp periodically with saturated fats like coconut oil can help.
Natural Herbal Dandruff Remedies
There are a number of herbs and nutrients that can help to fight dandruff and keep the scalp healthy.
Natural Topical Remedies for Dandruff
Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners used black pepper to help treat dandruff by mixing it with lime and milk and spreading it on the scalp. Traditional Eastern medicine uses, egg oil, or natural mayonnaise, for dandruff due to moisturizing effects. Minced onion may also support scalp health by acting as a natural antimicrobial against fungus. Neem and Tea Tree are both naturally antifungal herbs that can help to kill off cases of seborrheic dermatitis. Both can be found in oils that can be added to your normal shampoo to help stop dandruff. They can also be found in preformulated shampoos and creams to help with dandruff. Rosemary essential oil can also act as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent to help clear up dandruff. Be sure to dilute any essential oil in a carrier oil, as is the case with most essential oils to prevent skin irritation.
